What We’ve Learned about Governance
Time flies when you’re up to your elbows in bylaws and Board meetings!
Five years ago, The Governance Group set out with a mission: to help nonprofit organizations
build better governance. We knew there’d be challenges, but we’ve also had plenty of “aha”
moments, pleasant surprises and, of course, a few laughs along the way.
My journey to governance consulting started over a decade ago in business consulting, working
with a range of organizations. Nonprofits began approaching me for help with strategic
planning, but it didn’t take long to realize that even the best plans wouldn’t succeed without
strong governance. That realization led me to Board governance training, a deep dive into best
practices and, eventually, to buying and re-launching The Governance Group – an organization
dedicated to making governance practical, approachable and even fun. My philosophy? A well-
developed process delivers great results – trust in it!
Governance isn’t just about policies, it’s about people. And like any good process, it evolves
with experience and lessons learned along the way. As we celebrate this five-year anniversary,
we’re looking back at the five biggest lessons we’ve learned about nonprofit governance.
Five Lessons over Five Years
1. Good Governance is Not Well Understood
Despite its critical role in nonprofit success, good governance remains widely misunderstood.
Many organizations, whether new or well-established, struggle with governance fundamentals.
Governance isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s about building a culture of
accountability, strategic thinking and informed decision-making.
2. Many Board Directors Don’t Fully Grasp Their Role
Too often, Board members join with enthusiasm but little clarity about their actual
responsibilities. Some think they’re there to manage day-to-day operations (they’re not), while
others assume their role is largely symbolic (it isn’t). The reality is, a well-functioning Board
provides oversight, strategic direction and support without micromanaging staff.
3. Success Drives Engagement and Effectiveness
People want to feel competent in their roles, Board Directors included. When Directors are
given the right tools, training and support, they’re more engaged, more confident and more
effective. It’s not just about recruiting the right people; it’s about equipping them for success.
This is why we emphasize strong onboarding practices, ongoing education and clear
expectations.
4. Being an Executive Director of a Nonprofit is One of the Toughest Jobs Out There
Executive Directors and CEOs in the nonprofit sector juggle an extraordinary amount of
responsibility, often with limited resources and a volunteer board that may not fully understand
their challenges. The best Boards recognize that their role is to support the organization’s
leader. Clear governance structures, healthy communication and mutual respect are essential
parts of good governance.
5. Changing Organizational Culture Takes Time (and Patience)
Shifting governance practices and culture doesn’t happen overnight. Whether it’s improving
meeting effectiveness or fostering strategic thinking, meaningful change requires commitment
and patience. Small steps lead to big results; a consistent, persistent focus on governance best
practices pays off in the long run.
How These Lessons Have Shaped Our Work
From the start, The Governance Group has been committed to delivering governance training
that’s clear, practical and engaging. But over the years, we’ve sharpened our focus –
emphasizing the importance of recruiting and onboarding the right people with the right
mindset. We’ve also deepened our hands-on approach, ensuring directors don’t just hear about
best practices but see what “really good” governance looks like in action.
At the outset, our mentor and founder, Vince Battistelli, cautioned, “Never assume people
understand governance.” While we began with this advice in mind, we now work even harder
to bridge that gap. When Board members truly understand their roles, the entire organization
thrives.
Looking Forward: Setting Directors Up for Wild Success
The future of nonprofit governance depends on well-prepared, well-supported Board members.
That’s why we focus our efforts on helping new Directors succeed from day one. When Board
members understand their role, receive proper training and have ongoing support, they
become the leaders their nonprofits need.
Here’s to five years of learning, growing and making an impact. And here’s to the next five years
of building stronger, more effective boards.
Ready to take your Board’s effectiveness to the next level? Our specialized governance
consulting and tailored Board governance training workshops equip non-profits with the tools
they need for success. Explore our Resources page. Reach out with any
questions – we’re here to help your Board thrive.